From its inception in 1948, women have served in the Israel Defense Forces. Since the Oct. 7 Hamas attack, the IDF has reported a significant increase in women requesting combat positions. The role of women in defense of Israel is the subject of an upcoming program hosted by Congregation B’nai Amoona and Shaving Israel.

The event, at 10 a.m. on Sunday, Jan. 21, will honor the memory of Carol Hellman, a longtime B’nai Amoona member and co-founder of Shaving Israel, the St. Louis-based organization that donates towels, winter wear, shirts, socks, phone chargers, toiletries and other personal items to IDF soldiers.

Shaving Israel Board President Laura Goldmeier said the program’s goal is awareness.

“One of our purposes in Shaving Israel is to raise money to buy non-military support equipment for the IDF,” Goldmeier said. “The other purpose that we have is education.”

The January program will feature the following speakers:

• Rachel Miller, co-founder of Shaving Israel and Rachel Taxman, daughter of co-founder Carol Hellman, who was also a volunteer for Sar-El, a global organization of volunteers supporting the IDF.

• Devy Goldenberg, who will describe her mother’s experience serving in the Haganah, the predecessor to the IDF.

• Dodi Taylor (daughter of Rabbi Ze’ev Smason), who will explain the role of Sherut Leumi, the national service option for women as an alternative to IDF service.

• Rani Greenwald, who will talk about her experience in the IDF Canine Unit.

There is no charge for the event, and light refreshments will be served. Registration is required and is available at www.bnaiamoona.com/form/24shaving.

If you are unable to attend the “Women Defending Israel” event but would like to support Shaving Israel, donations can be made at shavingisrael.org.